As the time draws near to say my final good-byes, my heart aches to leave me loved ones for a year. So much transpires in 365 days. I want to be here to see my friends walk down the aisle, others graduate, and still others start new journeys away from home. I want to continue with the amazing community I have built in Murfreesboro and stay close with those I have trusted for some many years.

BUT I am not called to do that this year. As much as it pains me to get on that plane in NYC and say farewell to so many back here, God has called me to something much larger than I can imagine. I am called to “follow Him” so he can “make me fisher of men” all over the world. Just as John and James “immediately left the boat and their father and followed him,” (Matt 4:22) I am asked to leave my friends, family, comfortable bed, delicious food, and nice clothes to follow Him.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m scared out of my mind! The girl that has never camped and doesn’t know what half the stuff on the packing list is has been called to get on a plane with forty-two strangers to travel the world for a year with no phone— SERIOUSLY?!?! I truly have no idea what lays ahead of me. There are going to be times for celebration when new believers enter into His kingdom and times of despair when I see small children that have nowhere to live. Either way, I know the Lord is in control, and I can’t wait to see how the next year unfolds.